Latin Academy blanks Brighton

LATIN ACADEMY 14, BRIGHTON 0

By Amara Grautski, Globe Correspondent | November 7, 2009

As the sunlight faded on a blustery day at White Stadium, so did Brighton’s chances of clinching a Boston South title and securing a trip to the playoffs.

Although Latin Academy turned the ball over three times, it was the Bengals’ miscue at the end of the third quarter that turned the tide for good, helping the Dragons hold on for a 14-0 victory.

When Latin Academy (7-2, 3-1) punted from its 19-yard line, Brighton mishandled the return. Senior Ohimai Aisiku, who had a first-quarter interception, recovered for the Dragons.

“I think Brighton could have had a situation where they could have gained some momentum,’’ said Latin Academy coach Rocco Zizza. “The ball bounced our way on that kick . . . the wind was a factor. The ball actually came back about 6, 7 yards in the air and hit the ground and hit a kid. And the kid was doing what he was supposed to be doing, but because of the weather that’s what happened.’’

Latin Academy, which hasn’t been to the postseason since 1992, posted the game’s first points about a minute into the second quarter, with Justin Miles hitting Edbiko Elysee on a 63-yard touchdown pass.

The sophomore quarterback struggled for much of the first half, but connected on three consecutive passes for 36 yards to set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Cuong Nguyen just before halftime for a 14-0 lead.

“I’ve been waiting four long seasons for this day,’’ Nguyen said. “We’ve had a losing season ever since I started on this team, so I’m just getting tired of it. I really just [wanted] that win.’’

The Bengals (3-5, 3-1) weren’t able to break through in the second half.

“You win some, you lose some,’’ said Brighton coach James Philip. “It’s a matter of not blocking and tackling and not running the ball well.’’